London’s history is rich with mystery and the supernatural. Ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena surround some of the city’s most famous landmarks, each with its own eerie encounters. Therefore, if you’re a fan of the supernatural, the best way to uncover London’s haunted past is by exploring its most iconic monuments. Join us as we explore the most haunted places in London.
The most famous haunted sites in London
Fortunately, anyone searching for eerie history will find plenty of popular landmarks and sites to visit in London. Here’s our list of the most haunted places in the city:
London's Underground Tunnels
Ghostly tales have always surrounded the London Underground. With its many abandoned stations, platforms, and passageways, it’s easy to see why so many stories circulate. As a result, workers and passengers alike have reported hearing strange noises and sensing a presence. For instance, three stations widely believed to be haunted are Aldwych Station, Farringdon Station, and Covent Garden Station.
Firstly, Aldwych Station closed in 1994 and was used as an air raid shelter during WWII, is known for the popular story of a Victorian woman seen waiting for a train. You can visit the station through a guided tour that lasts around 75 minutes, with tickets starting at £40 per person.
Then, at Farringdon Station, visitors have regularly reported hearing the screams of Anne Naylor, a young girl murdered in the 18th century. The station remains a part of the active Underground service, and you can visit with a standard Underground fare.
Finally, Covent Garden Station, another functioning part of the Underground, has frequent reports of a tall man in a hat, believed to be the ghost of William Terriss, a 19th-century actor murdered in 1897.
London Necropolis
They built The Necropolis Railway in the mid-19th century to handle the overflow of bodies from the city’s cemeteries. It transported both bodies and mourners from central London to Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey. As a consequence, many believe that the spirits of the dead still haunt the area. Although The Necropolis Railway no longer exists, you can visit Brookwood Cemetery for free.
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market, an aesthetically pleasing spot in London, is more famous for its ghost stories than its beauty. Visitors have reported seeing Roman soldiers patrolling the market at night. With a history as a marketplace dating back to the Roman era, this location holds a deep connection to the past. You can visit for free from Monday to Friday between 10 AM and 6 PM. Special walking tours are available during Halloween for £7.
The Royal Exchange
The Royal Exchange, once the heart of London’s financial district, is rumoured to be haunted by the ghosts of traders who lost their fortunes. Now filled with restaurants and wine bars, visitors often report seeing shadowy figures walking the halls and hearing footsteps and rustling papers. You can visit for free from Monday to Friday, between 8 AM and 6 PM.
Somerset House
Somerset House, once the housing for naval officers, is now known for its darker side. People say that the ghosts of past workers roam its grand halls, consequently, many visitors have reported feeling a strange presence. You can visit for free from Monday to Sunday between 10 AM and 6 PM, but tickets are required for access to exhibitions.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London, one of the city’s most iconic sites, is considered one of the most haunted places in London. Many believe that spirits, including Anne Boleyn, haunt the tower’s grounds. Opening hours vary by season, so be sure to check the official website for details. Ticket prices range from £17.40 for children to £34.80 for adults.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
People say that the spirits of WWII pilots and those who died during the Blitz haunt St. Paul’s Cathedral. Visitors and staff have reported seeing strange shadows and apparitions in the crypt and around the Whispering Gallery. You can visit the Cathedral from Monday to Saturday between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, with tickets priced at £10 for children and £25 for adults.
The London Bridge
London Bridge, another popular landmark with a long and dark history, was once the site of numerous public executions. In fact, the heads of traitors were displayed on pikes at the entrance. Many believe that the spirits of those executed still haunt the area. Moreover, the bridge is open 24 hours a day, and entry is free.
The Old Bailey
Rumours suggest that the spirits of convicted criminals haunt the Old Bailey courthouse as a result of many criminals dying here. Entry is free, and you can visit from Monday to Friday.
The Inns of Court
Barristers and judges from centuries ago are said to haunt this courthouse. Many visitors claim to have seen figures dressed in old-fashioned robes and wigs and have heard footsteps echoing through the halls late at night. The court is open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM, with guided tours available.
Ghost tours and haunted walks
London offers plenty of exciting and chilling ghost tours, along with compact guided tours that take you through the city’s most historic and iconic sites.
We recommend the Jack the Ripper Tour for anyone visiting London. This walking tour leads you through the streets of Whitechapel, stopping at key locations where the infamous killer committed his murders.
The Haunted London Walking Tour is a classic ghost walk through the West End. You’ll visit notorious haunted locations like the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Covent Garden, and the Inns of Court. The tour runs several times a week, with tickets priced around £10 per person.
Come and discover the most haunted places in London
London’s haunted past is packed with eerie stories, from underground tunnels to iconic landmarks, waiting to be uncovered. Whether you join a ghost tour or explore these sites on your own, the city promises a thrilling experience for everyone.
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